“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”– Pro 17:22.

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.”– 1Th 5:16-17

A Happy and cheerful heart is a matter of cultivation. We cannot afford to abandon ourselves entirely to our moods. There are times when we feel depressed and sad, for no special reason, except that a mood is on us! It is at such times that we need to anoint our heads, and wash our faces, that we may not be consumed by our fretfulness, or impose our depression upon others, for nothing is worse than to be a wet blanket! (Mat 6:16-18.)

On the other hand, there is nothing more objectionable than to be always in the presence of a comic person who thinks that every occasion must serve for frolic. After a time one gets as tired of funny stories and perpetual punning as of gloom, but while avoiding this extreme, we must not fall into the other of wearing a lugubrious expression and giving way to a moodiness of spirit, which cannot be accounted for.

We may alter our dispositions and moods by a resolute action of the will. We can refuse to look miserable, to speak mournfully, to be pessimistic, to pass on depression. In a spirit of unselfishness we can put on a cheerful courage, array ourselves in the garments of joy, anoint ourselves with the spirit of praise and thankfulness, and go forth into the world to shed sunbeams rather than shadows on the path of life. Do not nurse your sorrow of heart, lest your spirit and the spirits of others be broken.

We can promote a cheerful heart by dwelling on the bright things of our lot; by counting up the mercies which are left, rather than dwelling on what we have lost. When the heart is full of the light and love of God, can it be other than cheerful? How can this be obtained except by a living union with Jesus Christ. In Him there is an infinitude of supply of peace and joy, sunshine and light. Let us open our hearts to him, and put on these things as we array ourselves each morning in our garments (Isa 61:3-10). –F B Meyer

Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.

“He careth for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

The Lord knows all His people, their persons, wants, and trials; He thinketh upon them to benefit, deliver, and supply them. He keeps His eye upon them in all places, at all times, and under all circumstances.

He has them in His hand, and will not loose His hold. He looks upon them always as His own; the objects of His love, the purchase of His Son’s blood, the temples of the Holy Spirit.

They are precious in His sight. He knows they are weak, fearful, and have many enemies. He teaches them to cast themselves and all their cares into His hands; and He has given them His word, that He will care for them.

It is a Father’s care which He exercises. It is wise, holy, tender, and constant; therefore all will be well, only trust.

Believe that He cares for you this day; carry all your concerns to Him in the faith of this; leave all with Him, persuaded that He will manage all by His infinite wisdom, and bring all to a good issue by His omnipotent power.

Cast all your cares upon Him as fast as they come in; be anxious for nothing. “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee; He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.“–JamesSmith

“Cast,” He says, “on Me thy care,
Tis enough that I am nigh;
I will all thy burdens bear,
I will all thy wants supply.“

“Have faith in God.” Mark 6:22

You have His word, believe it; plead it; expect the fulfillment of it. He cannot deceive you. His ear is open to you. Try Him. What do you want? Why do you want it? If you really need, if your motives are good, plead with God for it; expect Him to bestow it; and receive it as coming from Him. In every trial, for all you need, have faith in God. He will be gracious unto you. He is ever with you. He is ready to help you. He rejoices over you to do you good. His word is true from the beginning. He is the faithful God. He keepeth covenant and mercy. Believe in God for all your circumstances require. Patiently wait His time for your supplies. Never give over praying or expecting because He delays: never doubt Him, but trust in Him with all thy heart. He is a God: He is thy God; He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think. This is thy direction, thy duty, thy privilege: HAVE FAITH IN GOD. Walk with God. Talk with God. Expect from God. Use all for God. Be entirely devoted to God. “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” “Therefore will I look unto the Lord.”-(James Smith)

Begone, unbelief! my Saviour is near,
And for my relief will surely appear:
By prayer let me wrestle that He will perform;
With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.

Walk humbly with thy God.” Micah 6:8

Pride is one of our greatest evils: to indulge it is to nourish a serpent in the bosom. The grace of God always humbles us; and it is only as we are humble that we can be happy. God condescends to walk with the humble man, but He keeps the proud at a distance. Consider what you were by nature, what now lurks in your heart, what you would have been but for the grace of God, and be humble. All you have is the gift of free grace; all you do that is good, is the effect of God’s working in you. What have you to be proud of? What reason to boast? Oh, lie low in the dust of self-abasement; cherish humbling thoughts of yourself; admire the mercy, condescension, and infinite compassion of God, in noticing so vile, so unworthy a worm! Study the character and conduct of the humble Jesus, learn of Him, and endeavour to walk as He also walked. Serve the Lord in all humility of mind. But beware of spurious humility; that is not humility which rests contented without seeking for the utmost God has promised, or aiming at the highest duties God has commanded.( By James Smith, 1840)

By faith in Christ I walk with God,
With heaven, my journey’s end, in view;
Supported by His staff and rod,
My road is safe and pleasant too:
Though earth and hell my course withstand,
JEHOVAH guards me by His hand.